Portable exercise device for mounting to a bed frame

ABSTRACT

An exercise device for attachment to a bed frame. A user accessible loop section allows a user to either grab onto or insert his feet into the exercise device. A bed frame mounting device is connected to the bed frame. A length adjustable section is connected between the user accessible loop section and the bed frame mounting device. In a preferred embodiment, the length adjustable section is adjusted so that the user accessible loop section reaches to the top of the mattress. The user sits on the mattress of the bed frame, inserts his feet into the user accessible loop section and performs sit-ups using the mattress as a sit-up mat and comfortable support for his back. In another preferred embodiment, the user attaches a resistance band between the user accessible loop section and the bed frame mounting device. The user can then perform resistance exercises such as arm curls or he can lie on the mattress and perform leg lifts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With advances in medical research and communication, individuals throughout the world are very aware of the importance of exercise. Indeed, exercise classes are a standard part of public education so that at a young age, the importance of exercise is repeatedly taught to our children.

However, as children advance into adulthood they are left on their own as individuals to be responsible for their own health. Ideally, all adults would exercise every day at a gymnasium and utilize advanced equipment under the highly skilled eye of a personal trainer. Unfortunately, this luxury is only available for a very small percentage of the population. Most people have to squeeze in exercise around other responsibilities and obligations. Often exercise is something to be done after everything else is done. Moreover, to most people it is impractical to drive off to a gym at the end of the day for an exercise session.

Home gyms are expensive, an eye sore, require maintenance and take up too much space. Prior art portable exercise devices are known but tend to be limited in the types of exercises that can be accomplished. Consumers are often discouraged after purchasing a prior art portable exercise device and the prior art portable exercise device usually ends up finding its way into the attic, garage or trash bin.

For example, U.S Pat. No. 4,417,726 issued to Schleis describes an exercise device designed for use on the floor while attached by placing the lower attachment piece between the floor and the leg of the bed. The corner of the bed, including the bed frame must be lifted in order to place the device plastic coated wire underneath the leg of the bed or other piece of furniture. With the force exerted while performing exercises, it is very unlikely that this method of mounting will remain in place under a standard round wheel which is included on the majority of bed frames of this style. It's uncomfortable and un-adjustable and is usable for sit-up exercises only. The device is extremely limited in that no other functionality is included or suggested to allow the user to perform resistance or additional exercises of any type.

U.S Pat. No. 5,160,306 issued to Lui describes an exercise device for performing sit-ups while lying on top of the mattress. The long under-the-mattress wooden plank is bulky and impractical for travel. It also is necessary to use additional inconvenient fastening methods to fasten the plank to the bed when using a thinner more flexible mattress. The Lui device is limited in that it is only configured for sit-up exercises.

U.S Pat. No. 4,378,939 issued to Wild describes an exercise device for performing only sit-up exercises on the floor. There is no capability to perform any additional exercises. This device includes a complicated permanently installed L-Frame mounting device utilizing pressure clamps and wing-nuts.

What is needed is a better portable exercise device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an exercise device for attachment to a bed frame. A user accessible loop section allows a user to either grab onto or insert his feet into the exercise device. A bed frame mounting device is connected to the bed frame. A length adjustable section is connected between the user accessible loop section and the bed frame mounting device. In a preferred embodiment, the length adjustable section is adjusted so that the user accessible loop section reaches to the top of the mattress. The user sits on the mattress of the bed frame, inserts his feet into the user accessible loop section and performs sit-ups using the mattress as a sit-up mat and comfortable support for his back. In another preferred embodiment, the user attaches a resistance band between the user accessible loop section and the bed frame mounting device. The user can then perform resistance exercises such as arm curls or he can lie on the mattress and perform leg lifts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the utilization of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a preferred bed frame mounting device.

FIG. 3 shows another preferred bed frame mounting device.

FIG. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 b shows a preferred ankle pad.

FIG. 4 c shows a preferred buckle.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the preferred bed frame mounting device of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 shows a preferred ankle loop.

FIG. 7 shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a prior art hook.

FIG. 9 shows another preferred bed frame mounting device.

FIGS. 9 b- 9 c show another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 10-11 show the utilization of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12-15 show another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a man doing sit-ups while using bed frame exercise device 1. Bed frame exercise device 1 attaches to a bed frame. For example, FIG. 1 shows exercise device 1 attached to an L-bracket located on the side of bed 40. Bed frame exercise device 1 is portable, lightweight and inexpensive. It is very simple to use and it allows the user to perform sit-ups as well as a variety of resistance exercises such as arm curls and leg lifts.

Components of a Preferred Bed Frame Exercise Device Ankle Pad

Preferably, ankle pad 2 is cylindrical and made of a solid flexible material. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 4 b, ankle pad 2 is fabricated from flexible rubber cylindrical tube 3. Water resistant neoprene sleeve 4 is sewn over tube 3 to cover it as shown. Strap 5 extends through ankle pad 2. Ankle pad is of sufficient length so that an adult user can comfortably fit his two feet into the loop formed by the ankle pad and strap 5. Preferably ankle pad 2 is approximately 10 inches long and has a diameter of approximately 1¼ inch.

Ankle Strap

Ankle Strap 5 is shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 4 b. Ankle strap 5 is preferable a nylon strap and is approximately ¾ inch wide and 26 inches long. It extends through ankle pad 2 as explained above and connects to metal D-ring 6. Snap buttons 7 secure strap 5 as shown.

Adjustable Lower Strap

Adjustable lower strap 8 preferably includes upper section 9 looped through D-ring 6 and secured by button 7. Upper section 9 is also looped through buckle 11 and sewn as shown (FIG. 4C). Adjustable lower strap 8 also includes lower section 10. Lower section 10 is looped through buckle 11. The length of adjustable lower strap 8 is modified by adjusting lower section 10 through buckle 11. For example, FIG. 1 shows a man using bed frame exercise device on a bed that includes box spring 13. Therefore, in order to reach L-bracket 115 of metal bed frame 14 adjustable lower strap 8 has been adjusted so that lower section 10 extends approximately 2 feet from buckle 11. Likewise, if the user was doing sit-ups on a bed that had a thinner mattress and did not include a box spring, lower section 10 could be shortened to the appropriate distance.

Bed Frame Mounting Device

Bed frame mounting device 16 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. Bed frame mounting device 16 is fabricated from metal to include a U-channel 17 and a base section 18. As shown in FIG. 2, bed frame mounting device 16 fits between the bottom of box spring 13 and the top of L-bracket 115. U-channel 17 and the weight of the mattress and box spring pressing down on L-bracket 115 both function to hold bed frame mounting device 16 in place. Adjustable lower strap 8 is looped through O-ring 19 and secured with button 7.

Alternate Bed Frame Mounting Device

It should be noted that there are many types of bed frames and that bed frame mounting device 16 can be replaced with other types of bed frame mounting devices as appropriate.

For example, FIGS. 3 and 5 show bed frame mounting device 20. As shown in FIG. 3, mounting device 20 is utilized for attaching bed frame exercise device 1 to a bed having a wooden bed frame with wooden slats. Rubber pad 21 is adhesively attached to metal frame 22. Rubber pad 23 is adhesively attached to sliding metal bracket 24. Metal posts 25 are rigidly connected to frame 22 as shown. Sliding metal bracket 24 is slidable along metal posts 25. Threaded thumb screw 26 is threaded through frame 22 and presses against sliding metal bracket 24. Adjustable lower strap 8 is looped through O-ring 19 and secured with button 7.

FIG. 3 shows bed frame mounting device 20 attached to wooden slat 27 of a wooden bed frame. The user has tightened thumb screw 26 so that sliding metal bracket 24 has moved inward and slat 27 is squeezed tightly between rubber pad 23 and rubber pad 21.

FIG. 8 shows prior art spring loaded hook 43 that can also be utilized as a bed frame mounting device. For example, FIG. 9 shows spring loaded hook 43 attached to sofa sleeper bed frame tube 44. Adjustable lower strap 8 is looped through O-ring 19 and secured with button 7.

Resistance Exercises

By attaching resistance band 35 between adjustable lower strap 8 and bed frame mounting device 16 (as shown in FIG. 7) a user can perform resistance exercises. Resistance band 35 includes end clips 36 for attachment to adjustable lower strap 8 and bed frame mounting device 16. As the user pulls on ankle pad 2, resistance band 35 will stretch. To exercise the user completes the motion and overcomes the resistance provided by stretching resistance band 35. The user repeats this motion for an exercise routine. In one preferred embodiment the user utilizes bed frame exercise device 1 to exercise his biceps by doing curls. The user stands on the floor next to bed 40 (FIG. 11) and grabs ankle pad 2 with his hands and pulls upward to overcome the resistance offered by resistance bands 35. It should be noted that in FIG. 11 the user has used two resistance bands 35. To decrease the level or resistance, the user can remove one of the resistance bands. To increase the level of resistance, the user can add another resistance band.

In another preferred embodiment, the user replaces ankle pad 2 with looped ankle pad 30 (FIG. 6). Looped ankle pad 30 is preferred when the user is inserting just one ankle into the ankle pad for his exercise. For example, on bed 40 a user can lay on his side, back or stomach. He can then place one foot through looped ankle pad 30 and lift the pad upward with his looped foot for a leg lift exercise to overcome the resistance provided by resistance band 35.

Modification of Degree of Resistance

The resistance provided by resistance band 35 can be modified to customize the exercise to the strength and conditioning goals of the user. For example, it should be noted that in FIG. 11 the user has used two resistance bands 35. To decrease the level of resistance, the user can remove one of the resistance bands. To increase the level of resistance, the user can add another resistance band.

Bed Frame Variations

It should be understood that there is a large variety of bed frame types and that the present invention can attach to any bed frame type. For example, FIGS. 1, 2, 10, and 11 show a common L-bracket bed frame type found in many homes and hotels. FIG. 3 shows a wood slat bed frame type that is also very common. FIG. 9 shows a sofa sleeper bed frame with the exercise device attached to sofa sleeper bed frame tube 44.

In FIGS. 12-15 another type of L-bracket bed frame is shown. Bed frame 114 is a common bed frame found in many homes. In FIGS. 12-13, the user is standing on the floor at the foot of the bed. In FIGS. 14-15 the user is laying on the bed with his feet at the foot of the bed. In FIGS. 12-15, the user has attached bed frame exercise device 1 to L-bracket 15 located under bed 97. Adjustable lower strap 8 is connected to resistance band 35 on one side and bed frame mounting device 16 on the other side. Resistance band 35 is connected between adjustable lower strap 8 and ankle pad 2. The user can accomplish his exercise routines in a fashion similar to that described above in reference to the above preferred embodiments.

Travel Compatibility of Device

One major feature of the present invention is that it is very easy for a user to carry bed frame exercise device 1 with him while he travels. For example, in a preferred embodiment, bed frame exercise device 1 is sold as a kit. The kit preferably includes a storage pouch, ankle strap 2, adjustable lower strap 8, and bed frame mounting devices 16, 20 and 43. Also, preferably the kit will come with multiple resistance bands 35 so that the user can vary the resistance as appropriate. The kit contents are all very small, lightweight and can be easily stored into the storage pouch and packed into a suitcase. The user can then comfortably exercise in a hotel room as easily as he can in his own bedroom.

Although the above-preferred embodiments have been described with specificity, persons skilled in this art will recognize that many changes to the specific embodiments disclosed above could be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above description mentioned three types of bed frames (i.e., the metal bed frame with L-brackets, the wooden slat bed frame and the sofa sleeper bed frame. There are many other types of bed frames available. The present invention can be utilized with any type of bed frame. For example, hook 43 (FIG. 8) can be attached to the side of a solid faced wood bed frame, with or without drawers. In this embodiment, fastener 272 (FIG. 9 b) would be screwed onto the side of the wood bed frame. Prior art hook 43 is then attached to fastener 272 (FIG. 9 c). Therefore, the attached claims and their legal equivalents should determine the scope of the invention. 

1) An exercise device for attachment to a bed frame supporting a mattress, comprising: A) a narrow strip of one or more pliant materials comprising a portion of which is formed into a user accessible loop section adopted to permit a user to grab onto or insert one or two feet into the exercise device, B) a length adjustable section connected to said user accessible loop section and adapted to adjust in length the exercise device, and C) a bed frame mounting device adapted to connect said length adjustable section to the bed frame. 2) The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said user accessible loop section comprises an ankle pad for receiving both feet of a user. 3) The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said user accessible loop section comprises an ankle pad for receiving one foot of a user. 4) The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said user accessible loop section comprises: A) a strap, B) a rubber tube, wherein said strap is inserted through said rubber tube, C) a neoprene layer, covering said rubber tube. 5) The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said device is adapted to permit the user to sit on said mattress and insert his feet into said user adjustable loop section and to permit the user to perform sit-ups on said mattress while the user's feet are supported by said user accessible loop section. 6) The exercise device as in claim 1, wherein said length adjustable section comprises: A) a strap, and B) a buckle, wherein the length of said length adjustable section is adapted to permit adjustment by manipulating said strap and said buckle. 7) The exercise device as in claim 1, for use on a bed with an L-shaped frame element, wherein said bed frame mounting device comprises: A) a U-shaped channel for receiving said L-shaped frame element, and B) a base section sandwiched between said mattress and said L-shaped frame element. 8) The exercise device as in claim 1, for use on a bed with a wooden bed frame comprising a wooden slat, wherein said bed frame mounting device comprises: A) a sliding metal bracket slidingly connected to said bed frame mounting device, B) a first rubber pad connected to said sliding metal bracket, C) a second rubber pad connected to said bed frame mounting device D) a threaded thumb screw for adjusting the position of said sliding metal bracket, wherein said wooden slat is positioned between said first rubber pad and said second rubber pad. 9) The exercise device as in claim 1, further comprising at least one elastic resistance band connected between said user accessible loop section and said bed frame mounting device. 10) The exercise device as in claim 9, wherein said at least one elastic resistance band is a plurality of elastic resistance bands. 11) The exercise device as in claim 9, adapted to permit a user to utilize said exercise device for performing repetitive resistance exercises. 12) The exercise device as in claim 11, adapted to permit a user to stand next to said bed frame and grab said user accessible loop section and perform curls for bicep exercise. 13) The exercise device as in claim 11, adapted to permit a user to lie on said mattress and insert his feet into said user accessible loop section and perform leg lift exercises. 14) An exercise kit adapted to be attached to a bed frame to produce an exercise device, said kit comprised of: A) a narrow strip of one or more pliant materials comprising a portion of which is formed into a user accessible loop section, B) a length adjustable section connected to said user accessible loop section, C) a bed frame mounting device adapted to be connected both to said bed frame and to said length adjustable section, and D) a plurality of elastic resistant bands. 